LUSAKA, Zambia- The Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Reuben Mtolo Phiri has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit seed and fertilizer, announcing that new legislation will soon make such offenses non-bailable and punishable by lengthy prison sentences.

The Minister was speaking during his visit to Seed Co Zambia, where he toured the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities and held discussions with industry leaders on the future of Zambia’s agricultural sector.

“These are poor people we are harassing with fake seed and fertilizer,” he said passionately. “The law we are about to pass will make selling counterfeit seed a non-bailable offense. If you are caught, you will go straight to prison, and you will stay there.

The Minister stated that the upcoming legislation, expected to be passed imminently, will impose jail terms of up to 10 years or more for offenders.

“We will treat this crime just like stock theft, or worse,” he warned. “We are taking decisive action to protect the intellectual property and investments of seed companies, and most importantly, the livelihoods of our farmers.”

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to cleansing the agricultural market of bad actors.

“Our farmers deserve access to genuine, high-quality seed that will help them achieve bumper harvests,” he said. “By removing counterfeit products, we are not only protecting farmers but also safeguarding national food security.

He urged seed companies, agro-dealers, and other stakeholders to work closely with the government to combat counterfeit inputs and foster sustainable agricultural growth.

Meanwhile, the honourable Minister also took time to commend the country’s maize production performance, attributing the achievement to advancements in agricultural technology and improved access to quality inputs.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the right technology, particularly quality seed,” he said. “Behind every seed is years of scientific research and innovation, often unseen and underappreciated by the farmers who depend on it.”

He commended Seed Co for their investment and expertise, which have directly benefited smallholder farmers and supported Zambia’s agricultural ambitions.

And speaking during the visit, Seed Co Zambia Board Chairman Chance Kabaghe expressed gratitude to the Minister and the government for their unwavering support of the seed industry.

“Today, we stand as one of Africa’s largest seed companies, with operations stretching from Ethiopia and West Africa to Southern Africa,” he said. “Our investments now exceed $70 million, and Zambia has become a key hub for seed exports across the region. This progress would not have been possible without the policies and personal support provided by government.”

The Board chairperson underscored that Zambia’s conducive business environment has positioned the country as a regional leader in high-quality seed production, driving both farmer prosperity and regional food security.

He added that Seed Co was ready for the launch of the FISP E-voucher, which will now be rolled out 100% countrywide, marking a significant step toward improving farmers’ access to quality inputs.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of Seed Co Zambia’s production facilities. The Minister witnessed firsthand the company’s advanced seed processing technologies and its preparations for the upcoming planting season, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation and quality in the agricultural sector.

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